AT&T announces extension of its 4G LTE ‘footprint’ in Oak Ridge

AT&T held a ribboncutting ceremony at its Oak Ridge retail store Tuesday, hosting several state and local elected officials as AT&T representatives announced they had turned on its 4G LTE network in parts of Anderson County, including Oak Ridge and Clinton, “bringing customers the latest generation of wireless network technology.”

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By Darrell Richardson

Oakridger - Oak Ridge, TN

By Darrell Richardson

Posted Dec. 6, 2012 at 6:54 PM
Updated Dec 6, 2012 at 7:02 PM

By Darrell Richardson

Posted Dec. 6, 2012 at 6:54 PM
Updated Dec 6, 2012 at 7:02 PM

Oak Ridge, Tenn.

AT&T held a ribboncutting ceremony at its Oak Ridge retail store Tuesday, hosting several state and local elected officials as AT&T representatives announced they had turned on its 4G LTE network in parts of Anderson County, including Oak Ridge and Clinton, “bringing customers the latest generation of wireless network technology.”

A release states that the benefits of AT&T 4G LTE include faster speeds, “cool new devices,” faster response times and “more efficient use of spectrum.”

Regarding speed, “LTE technology is capable of delivering mobile Internet speeds up to 10 times faster than 3G,” according to the release.

From 2009 to 2011, AT&T has invested $1.3 billion in its Tennessee wireless and wireline networks with a focus on improving the company’s mobile Internet coverage and overall performance of its networks.

State Sen. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, was on hand for Tuesday’s ceremony and stated: “Anderson County is thriving and a great place to do business. This announcement proves that updating our laws to keep up with changing technology pays off.

“Large and small businesses have a home here,” McNally continued. “And AT&T’s investment and launch of 4G LTE reflects their confidence in our county and adds ‘next generation’ capabilities for our businesses and consumers.”

Another state lawmaker present for Tuesday’s event was state Rep. John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge, who said this week’s announcement “is proof that consumers benefit when we create policies that favor investment in Tennessee.”

“As we all rely on the wireless Internet more and more, having accessing to faster 4G LTE is good news for Anderson County.”

Referencing AT&T’s investment as “an investment in our future,” Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank noted that “in an information-driven economy, the ability for the people of Anderson County to have access to the latest communications technology is critical.”

“Today’s announcement is just another reason that Anderson County is a great place to create tomorrow’s jobs,” remarked Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce CEO Parker Hardy, who also attended Tuesday’s ribboncutting event.

“We continue to see demand for mobile Internet skyrocket,” said Hill, “and our 4G LTE network in Anderson County responds to what customers want from their mobile experience — more, faster and on the best devices.”